Chelsea Rancher

A rustic Chelsea boot that American ranchers have always valued as a durable work boot (and riding boot). Prolonged wear will emphasize the gripping character of the heavy leather - the boot will only become more handsome. However: the wearing comfort for which the boot is famous among those who already own it must first be earned. The sturdy upper material and the firm outsole need to move, and gradually adapt to the foot and become softer under load. We recommend kneading the leather on the shaft and instep a few times to soften it. Over time, the Rancher will become a shoe that sits securely and comfortably on the foot and will last for many years, if not decades.

Work boots and shoes famed for their comfort and durability originate from Red Wing, Minnesota, since 1905. Red Wing treats the full-grain cowhides the company uses for its shoes according to a particular technique, developed at the end of the 1940s and patented for Red Wing. The company purchases hides that have been pre-processed with chromium salts and then tans them using mineral oil, hence the term “oil-tanned”. The procedure results in an oil content of 22% (8 to 10% is standard) and makes the leather exceptionally flexible despite its material thickness, hard-wearing and water-repellent. The quality of the craft corresponds to the high quality of the leather: Red Wing has its shoes mechanically welted using the complex Goodyear welt technique.